POLICE are appealing for information after a suspected arson attack at a picnic area near Northwich.

Officers were called to Cafa556, off Chester Road Bypass in Hartford, shortly after 1.30am on Saturday, January 28.

Firefighters found a wheelie bin on fire at the back of a portacabin on the site.

The fire had also spread to the building, causing damage to the café, forcing it to close temporarily.

The incident is currently being treated as suspicious and as part of the investigation officers are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

DS Rob Astbury, of Northwich CID, said: “Enquiries in relation to this incident are in the early stages and we are doing all we can to establish exactly what took place.

“As part of our investigation we’re keen to hear from anyone who in the area between 1am and 1.30am on Saturday and believes they may have seen anything suspicious.

“I’m also keen to hear from the occupants of an old style Landrover, which was seen in the area at the time of the incident.

“The same goes for anyone with any dashcam footage of any vehicles entering or leaving the site.

“I’d urge anyone with any information in relation to the incident to contact the team here at Northwich.”

Posting on social media, the business said: “The café will be closed for a couple of weeks as someone attempted to set fire to it early hours Saturday morning.”

Anyone with information should call Cheshire Police on 101 or visit cheshire.police.uk/tell-us, quoting IML 1466160.

Alternatively, information can be reported anonymously at Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.